Oaklands News

Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News Lead Stories

From the Headteacher 2 From the Headteacher’s Desk Farewells 3 t is confession time; I did not watch either of last month’s major I television events - the royal wedding or the cup final. I don’t Challenge Week 4 know what the viewing figures were but I suspect a significant proportion of the planet watched one or the other on a barmy May Fundraising Friday 5 day. Pundits have described the FA cup final as “ordinary” whilst on-lookers at the wedding used superlatives such as “amazing”, Design and Technology 6 ''spectacular'' and ''dazzling''. Showcase However, one element of the wedding service that I did watch on Reflections on the Eucharistic 7 ‘Catch-Up’ was the sermon. Many people are saying the preacher, Congress Bishop Michael Curry, Head of the Episcopal Church in the USA stole the show. If you haven’t watched the sermon, google it. Many Duke of Edinburgh Award 8 media outlets have posted the full text of the sermon - how often Success does a sermon reach out through social media platforms? Easter Trip to Iceland 10 Bishop Curry preached about love, a subject that moves people’s hearts. We’re all yearning to know that we are loved, that our lives World Book Day 2018 12 have purpose, and that the world can be transformed. That’s the power of love, and that’s exactly what Bishop Curry spoke about. Readathon - Read for Good 14 Unfortunately our world’s narrative is too often populated by violence, poverty, and hatred but this does not have to be the last word. We hear in the Gospels that love, hope, justice, and mercy Hampshire Literature Quiz 15 have the final word. That’s the “redemptive love” that Bishop Curry was preaching about. Macbeth for Year 10 15 At the moment I am undertaking a piece of work at Christ the King Secondary School on the Isle of Wight. The school represents two Maths Challenge 16 Christian traditions, Anglican and Catholic. One thing that binds both traditions is that God loves us. Different traditions might have Star Wars Day 16 different ways of describing God or the Divine but the message that God loves us is common to all. We might then go on and describe God’s love as an unconditional love that has no limits and Refurbishment News 17 no boundaries and is shared equally with all, although what we receive of that love depends on our openness to it and how we Clothing Bank 17 share it with those around. It is this that strikes at the heart of what a Catholic School should be.

The Oscar Romero Award 18 Last half term was very busy, if not short. Efforts were focussed on examination classes. I would like to acknowledge the hard Oaklands Genocide Memorial 19 work of all staff who have run holiday, weekend, lunchtime and Project after school sessions; I have also bumped into staff running breakfast sessions. Many colleagues have gone over and beyond Pictures from St John’s, 20 in preparing students for the public examinations. The best of luck Korogocho to all students completing public examinations this summer. Sports News 21 Year 11 started their study leave just before the half term break but not before they celebrated their final Mass together as a year Peripatetic Music Concert 22 group and had the traditional signing of t-shirts on the sunken Term Dates lawn. My thanks to Mrs Nikki Riddle and the Year 11 tutor team for all their hard work over the years.

2 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News • Year 13 also said their goodbyes with Mass in the School Chapel followed by a celebration at the Brookfield Hotel. My thanks also to Mrs Belinda Ludlam and the Sixth Form tutor team.

In addition to the preparation for exams, students have been involved in a packed programme of extra curricular events including a very wet Gold DofE training expedition in Dartmoor National Park.

I am delighted to be able to confirm that the school has been successful in winning a £1.2m bid to refurbish the inside of Newman Block. The refurbishment of this block is long overdue. This work will include upgrading all of the heating and lighting systems and new student and staff toilet facilities. Bidding for Government funding is very competitive. Fortunately, the school was able to make a contribution to the cost. This is clear evidence of the benefit of using money donated by parents through the Governors’ Fund. Over the summer we also intend to refurbish a number of classrooms and toilets. Again this would not be possible without parental contributions.

Finally, a number of staff are experiencing personal difficulties at the moment, a number of colleagues have experienced bereavements, or are in the process of caring for infirmed dependants. Your prayerful support is very much appreciated.

Matthew Quinn

Farewells ast half term we said thank you, goodbye and good luck to four members of staff: L Mrs Mel Brooks joined us in May 2013 as a student social worker on placement; she soon became an asset to our community and we became the first school in Hampshire to appoint a qualified Social Worker to our pastoral team. Mel has worked tirelessly and with great personal and professional integrity in the area of safeguarding, child protection and family welfare support. She has been a wonderful support to children and their parents at times of great difficulty. External agencies recognised her competence and expertise and Oaklands’ reputation has been greatly enhanced in this regard. Colleagues have valued her wisdom and professionalism and students have welcomed her caring and compassionate way of working with them. Mel will be sadly missed by all in the Oaklands community but we wish her well for the future.

Mr Ben Horrod came to the the school as a Design and Technology Teacher in 2013. During his time with us he has been a key member of the Design Department, teaching both GCSE and A Level and giving generously of his time to support the students following these courses. In addition, he has trained and led the Oaklands girls’ rugby team and helped with numerous school trips, both in the UK and abroad. He has also been second in SEN and a Form Tutor where his strong pastoral strengths were appreciated by both students and parents. We wish him the best of luck as he takes up the role of Head of Department at St John’s College in Southsea.

Mrs Vicci Masson has been with the Oaklands History Department since 2005. She recently extended her teaching role to include A Level Government and Politics and took on middle leadership responsibilities at Key Stage 5. Vicci’s caring and understanding nature has benefitted all of her students but most especially those in her tutor group. She has been involved in supporting the year activities and the tutor team, most recently in putting together the Leavers’ Mass. Vicci has also given of her time freely to support many extra-curricular activities. She has run the History Club, co-ordinated the Auschwitz trips and she has been at the forefront of many citizenship activities which promote British Values in school, particularly those related to democracy and elections. Vicci leaves Oaklands to take up a post as Head of History at Crookhorn College.

Mrs Linda White joined our Business Support Team in December 2005 and many of you will know her as the Admissions Secretary. This important role sets the tone and welcome for new students joining our community and Linda has been an advocate for the school when showing families around, drawn in no small part from her experience of her own sons attending Oaklands. She has been ever-present at key school events such as Open Evening and she has ensured that the process of families and students transitioning to Oaklands has run smoothly. We wish Linda well as she takes up her new post in the NHS.

3 Community Unity Opportunity Challenge Week Oaklands News

hallenge Week is a well-established Oaklands tradition dating back to C 1987. Over that time successive dedicated teams of staff have formed a Challenge Week Group who work to put together a fantastic week of enrichment activities for Key Stage 3 students. Challenge Week is intended to allow students to have fun whilst learning; spending time with teachers and other students outside of the classroom environment, free from the constraints of a timetable. It is a genuine opportunity to work in a cross- curricular way and to learn new information and skills that we could not deliver through our normal curriculum and timetable structure.

Staff have worked incredibly hard to put together imaginative, creative and student-friendly activities which have educational value as well as allowing students to have fun and work with each other to produce something which is both tangible and meaningful.

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have already had an assembly outlining the ‘theme’ of their respective weeks. This year, Year 7 are focusing on a Creative Challenge around the theme of ‘Conservation’ using English, Music, Drama and Dance; Year 8 have a Design and Innovation Challenge covering Design, Maths and Science activities and Year 9 are looking at a ‘Community Challenge’, building teams for survival based on RE, Geography and History activities. All students will be mixing off site and onsite activities across the four days. As well as these activities, there is the Year 8 MFL trip to St Aignan (France) and Year 9 Camp in the New Forest.

The booklet, which has already been distributed to students, will give you all the information you need as parents/carers about what your child will be doing each day of the week, so I would encourage you to read it carefully and keep it somewhere safe. Copies can also be found on the school website. Individual timetables will be published in mid-June.

Parental support for the week is vital if it is to be a success. We hope that by reading through what your child will be engaged in, you will recognise the wonderful learning opportunities that your son or daughter will be involved in and you will encourage them to take a full and active part in the week.

This year, all students in Years 7,8 and 9 will be involved in Challenge Week activities Monday 25th – Thursday 28th June. Friday June 29th will be ‘Fundraising Friday’ (Y7-10) - see next page.

Finally, we have been able to subsidise Challenge Week again this year to try to offer a full and fun week at a reasonable price. The cost of your child’s activity is, we hope you will agree, excellent value. I would encourage all parents to use the online payment system.

Please can all parents / carers pay by June 8th and ensure all medical information is current. If you need to update us, a copy of the medical form is on the website in the Challenge Week section.

My thanks go to this year’s Challenge Week Group and to all our dedicated staff who have worked hard to plan and prepare this week for our students. We look forward to spending the week with the students and hearing about their activities in the next edition of Oaklands News.

Mr M Bamford

4 Community Unity Opportunity Fundraising Friday Oaklands News

undraising for worthy causes that are close to our heart is the F lifeblood of the Oaklands community. This summer is no different as we embark upon preparations for the second Fundraising Friday event. This began life in 2015 when we took a day off timetable and endeavoured to have as much fun in one shortened day as possible whilst raising as much money as we could from sponsorship events.

On Friday 29th June students will be taking part in a sponsored event for three hours in one of the pre-arranged zones across the school site. They will choose from a range that caters to all of our favourite pastimes or interests so we will all have fun-filled events.

This year our chosen charity focus is split between two very admirable causes. Following Mr Sumba's moving stories about his experiences in El Salvador last autumn, the country that Bishop Romero lived and worked within, we are going to make life in El Salvador easier for the most vulnerable by purchasing and sending vital medical equipment. The remainder of our money will be going to complete a long planned memorial on site here at Oaklands. Designs are in place to erect a thought- provoking monument that reminds us all of the socio-political origins and emotional impact of genocides; sadly seen repeated many times since the end of the second World War in 1945.

Sponsorship will come from family or friends and students will bring in thier own sponsorship envelope on the morning of 29th June for their Zone Buckets. They will then proceed to do one of the following:

Dance-athon - dance til you drop (for a quick hydrate and rest session) and dance some more. A zumba fest for those who love to move! Sponsored football tournament - a huge league will be run by Sixth Formers on the top field leading to a points total and overall winner. Short five-a-side games will be refereed to a tight set of rules Silly Olympics - teams will take part in the maddest wettest fun involving beanbags, hoops and giant knockers that has ever been seen on Oaklands cricket field Game-athon - Imagine coming to school only to sit and play on your games console for three hours and earn good money for charity at the same time? That's what this event is all about. Get that Fortnite solo score up now! Equally plenty of you might benefit from a good Monopoly session or even Snakes and Ladders or Cluedo. Board games are still games last time I heard! Knitting is not for the faint-hearted and this event will prove it. Bring in your knitting and get clicking away for a chilled down, mellow event on a beautiful summer’s morning. Perhaps get sponsored per centimetre to see those £s roll in. Read-athon - The library is the place to sit and read for three hours. The time will speed past if this is your idea of heaven and you are raising money for others too. Perfect! Perhaps you are more of a poet or writer? Then this idea might work. For three hours you will write and compose your own work and have them collated into a mini booklet with the others in your event. This could be your big break! Get sponsored per word. Enterprise-athon - All these busy people will need to be refreshed and rejuvenated as they raise money. They will be in the market for some fabulous eatables and we need people to make and sell them. This event requires you to bake and sell snacks, drinks, lollies and cakes to those around the site in the other events. All proceeds to our chosen charities. Sponsored Walk - we will be taking a group of students out to the South Downs Way for a planned hike for the morning. Make your charity funds by striding out in the sunshine. Sponsorship per mile sounds about right.

Buses will be coming early and some students will be escorted to take the Stakes Hill Road buses so that you all have the afternoon off. For those unable to get home early we will provide entertainment from 1.45-3.35pm and end the day as usual.

Students will be deciding which event they are going to be a part of and will bring home their sponsorship cards and collection envelopes.

We anticipate that they will fully enjoy their chosen events. We hope that as a community all families will support and celebrate the achievements of this one fun-filled day!

5 Community Unity Opportunity Design and Technology Showcase Oaklands News n 26th April, the annual Design and Technology Showcase took place. This year’s GCSE and O A Level practical work was displayed in the hall and students had the chance to talk to those in attendance about their work.

The main aim of this event was to celebrate the students’ achievements. It is not easy to design and make a product from start to finish and although along the way the students have had ups and downs they have all produced completed products that they should be proud of.

The other reason for holding this event was to allow students to gather feedback about their products from other people which is the final part of the folder work they have to submit for assessment towards their GCSE and A level qualifications.

As well as students and invited guests, a number of judges from a variety of backgrounds, ex-students, current student engineers and product designers viewed the students’ work and spoke to them about it and ‘Best in Show’ awards were presented for each subject area at each level.

All of the invited guests and judges were very impressed not only with the work that was on show but the positive, honest and reflective way that students spoke about their products.

The Best in Show Awards were awarded as follows:

GCSE Electronic Products: Christopher Lympany GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition: Anastasia Lonergan GCSE Resistant Materials: Bradley White GCSE Fashion and Textiles: Leona Boateng A2 Product Design: Ryan John The Student Choice Award: Jonathan Dopson

6 Community Unity Opportunity Reflections on the Eucharistic Congress Oaklands News oday I learnt what the true meaning of the Eucharist is T according to the Catholic faith. I also learnt that priests should not use sarcasm as it is not what God would do. From Pippa, one of the speakers today, I learnt the meaning of the word ‘metanoia’ – to change or conversion and ‘koinonia’ which means community. We reflected on the fact that it is not easy to be a Christian today. The music was good as it helped us to think about how to put God first - Rhys Woolhead

Today I experienced a variety of talks from people about their journey of faith with God. The music from the band helped me to worship and pray – Ed Ditcham

Today we went to the Theatre Royal in Portsmouth where, joined by many other schools from the Portsmouth Diocese, we learned about metanoia and koinonia. These Greek words mean conversion and community respectively. We heard how these two aspects of life are linked together by the Eucharist. We were reminded in the talks to be strong enough to show that we are Christians as it is not very easy to be a Christian today – Ben Cunningham

I think that one of the highlights of the Eucharistic Conference was all of us eating ice cream in Victoria Park during our lunch break. Another highlight was listening to inspirational speakers who shared personal religious experiences and wisdom that they had learnt throughout their spiritual journeys. These helped us think about our own spiritual journey – Heather Layton

I most enjoyed the speeches as they were very inspirational. They were very personal and the speakers all shared their experiences of encountering Christ in the Eucharist and how it helped them overcome their struggles and how their life has changed – Jess Goff

I think that the highlight of the day was the music from the live band, as it was very upbeat and catchy. The interview with Bishop Philip was also interesting as he shared his story and some of his answers were inspirational too – Monica Lethbridge

I think that the highlight of my visit to Portsmouth Diocesan School’s Eucharist Congress was the music. It was upbeat and enjoyable and the words reflected the theme of opening up to Jesus. I also enjoyed the talks from people who have changed their lives – to become more focused on Jesus – through the Eucharist. It was good to hear different people’s take on Jesus and Christianity – Emily Hastilow

Today I learnt about metanoia and koinonia, Greek words for conversion and community reflectively. I enjoyed listening to Bishop Philip talk about his life in the priesthood and Fr Stephen Wang talk about how he became a Catholic, decided to become a priest and how he matured in his faith. Overall, I found it to be a very interesting day and I experienced a lot of insightful thoughts and opinions – Ethan Lehane

I mostly enjoyed coming together as Catholic schools to worship through singing beautiful hymns whose lyrics inspired us to be proud of being Catholic and of our faith – Josie Freeman

7 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News Duke of Edinburgh Award Success n Friday 9th March Oaklands was delighted to host the Annual Presentation of Awards for the Havant O and Waterlooville Local Committee. We were very pleased to welcome the Mayor of Havant with special guests Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire DofE Award Forum Vice President and Martin King, Chair of the Hampshire DofE Award Forum together with many parents, siblings, relatives, DofE participants and Leaders from the area.

As people were gathering they were entertained by a group of musicians and singers from Oaklands – Eleanor Ferris, Judy Quinn, Jessica Collins, David Vahey, Laura Vahey, Jess Fitzjohn and Archie McKeown - with thanks to Fionnuala Quinn for announcing the performers and Estelle Flood for her organisation.

The evening opened with the entry of the guests who were officially welcomed by Maureen Cawte, Chair of the Local Award Committee.

The Mayor of Havant congratulated and then presented Bronze certificates to the following Oaklands participants:

Danielle Abat Aaron Ayles Penelope Batty Lottie Beaton Jeffy Bijumom Isabelle Bonner Kieran Breathnach Poppy Britt Nathan Chan Emily Chatfield Thomas Collins Alana Condron Niamh Cooper Sophie Curtis Lily Dall’omo Timothy Doherty Thomas Ferris Matthew Galbraith Dany George Charlie Gooch Declan Gritton Finlay Harrison Lloyd Hastilow Daniel Hurd Angus Hutchins Phoebe Jeffery Paul Jose Emilia King Rebecca Lavery Edward Lee Christopher Lympany Jovita Mathew Gabriella Mula Bethany Murdy Elizabeth Ogden Cameron Owens Richard Pass-Alamo Emily Perdu Sam Porter Lauren Pragnell Hannah Rowlands Anina Sebastian Abbie Sumpter Jasper Teunissen Rosanna Thompson-Whiteside Abigail Tuttle Max Twinam Laura Vahey Maxwell Watkins David Way Billie-Mae White

Following further musical entertainment from the Oaklands group the Silver Award certificates were then presented by Martin King.

We were delighted that every participant from Oaklands who started the Award completed it despite also having to cope with the added pressure of public examinations. Many congratulations to:

Sophie Beacon Jessica Collins Morgan Dryhurst Emma Farrugia Cameron Fawl Finn James Eliza McMaster Matisse Moretti Francesca Parris Judy Quinn Ben Strutt Thomas Sullivan Christopher Sumner

The evening continued with the presentation of the prestigious Gold Award by Councillor Roy Perry. He spoke about how the Award was valued, particularly at Gold level, by employers.

8 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News

We are delighted that the Gold Award was presented to a number of Oaklands students. This is a stunning achievement as the Gold Award requires participants to undertake two of the sections for twelve months with the third for six months as well as completing an arduous four day expedition in wild country and a residential experience of five days. To complete this while studying for their A levels is impressive. Congratulations to:

Christopher Ashberry Samuel De Vos Lily Ellis Eleanor Ferris Rebecca Galbraith Lauren Hogg Joseph Marinaccio Lucy Taylor David Vahey

All these Gold Award holders plus three further participants from last year were invited to Buckingham Palace on Thursday 19th May. This is a wonderful occasion when a special guest, is invited to speak to small groups and following this the Gold certificate will be presented to all recipients by the Earl of Wessex. We wish them and their invited guest a day to remember and cherish for all their hard work and endeavour. There will be another article in the July edition of Oaklands News reporting on this special day.

The Presentation Evening was a great success and congratulations to all those who received Awards. Our thanks in particular to the music group, to our announcers – Chris Ashberry, Maddy Crews and Lauren Hogg and to sound technician - Joe Marinaccio .

In addition thanks to all the expedition trainers who gave of their time to ensure all the participants could undertake their expeditions – Mrs K Speller, Mr J Turner, Mr R Jones, Mrs J Stirling, Mrs J Tyler, Mrs N Riddle, Mr C Wade, Mr K Geddes, Mrs C Wise, Mr & Mrs C Matthews, Mr B Wrightson, Mr T Brinnen, Mr C Walder, Mr T Quirk and Mr P Hoar.

Mrs J Hoar

ARE YOU LOOKING TO HIRE A GREAT VENUE

Oaklands has a number of facilities available to hire. Theatre Style Hall Sports Hall & Gym ICT Suites Classrooms Kitchen & Catering Facilities *** We can also facilitate Meetings Conferences Training Days *** Our extensive grounds and sunken lawn provide the perfect setting for Social Gatherings & Weddings If you are interested in hiring any of our facilities or would like more information please contact Claire Pasterfield Telephone 02392 259214 EXT 294 Email [email protected]

9 Community Unity Opportunity Easter Trip to Iceland Oaklands News wo Year 12, one Y11 and thirty Year 10 students, T accompanied by four members of staff, visited Iceland during the Easter holiday. Although the Geography department had taken students to Iceland many times before, this was the first time a trip had been done at that time of year. The potential for seeing the Northern Lights was a distinct possibility, but so too were colder temperatures. As it turned out, the weather was actually very good, but there was no sign of the Aurora.

An early start at Oaklands on the Thursday enabled us to reach Iceland by mid-afternoon. We travelled straight to the capital, Reykjavik. During our time there, we visited the Perlan Centre, concert hall, City Hall, the two main churches, the Reagan/Gorbachev meeting house from 1986 and the main shopping area. After a long day, we were happy to reach our accommodation – a 1.5 hour drive from Reykjavik; the fine weather allowed our students to see the Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes from the coach on our way there.

On Friday, we travelled along the south coast towards Vik – the most southerly point of Iceland. This coastline en-route is characterised by towering cliffs, waterfalls and vast expanses of outwash plain, which emanate from the Eyjafjallajokull and the Myrdalsjokull ice sheets.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall was our first stop, where students were able to walk behind the curtain of water which cascades from a forty metre high cliff. Although very attractive, Seljalandsfoss is perhaps surpassed by Skogafoss just to the east. Such an assertion is based on scale – Skogafoss is larger in every aspect. We all got soaked at the base of the waterfall, but we were also able to walk to the top of the waterfall and beyond.

The coastal cliffs were at their most impressive near Vik. At Reynisfjara beach, the low tide allowed us to view the basalt columns. Just to the west was Dyrholaey – a huge coastal arch – which we were able to see from a neighbouring promontory (the last scenes in Noah with Russell Crowe were filmed there). The waterfalls are fed by meltwater from the glaciers that we got tantalising glimpses of as we travelled along the coast.

10 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News

We had organised a guided tour on the Solheimajokull glacier and after being kitted out with crampons, helmets, harnesses and ice axes, we found ourselves ascending the glacier. This is always a highlight for me – a sentiment I think was shared by many members of the group – as the moulins, crevasses and ice caves are remarkable.

On Saturday, we visited sites associated with the rifting tectonic plates on the Reykjanes peninsula. However, the day started with a visit to the Gluggafoss waterfall, which was just five minutes from the accommodation centre to the east. At Hafnir, we were able to walk across the ‘Bridge between Two Continents’ (Europe and North America). Just along the coast was the Gunnuhver geothermal area. Here, the immense heat generated by the magma at relatively shallow depths is harnessed to generate electricity and to provide hot water. This was also the case at the Blue Lagoon, where we enjoyed bathing in the 37ºC water - essentially discharge from the nearby power station. We also visited the Krysuvik geothermal area and the Raufarholshellir lava tube.

Our final full day in Iceland was spent journeying around the ‘Golden Circle’. We visited the Kerid volcano - a circular depression formed by an eruption some 5,000 years ago. The rifting theme from the previous day was explored once more as we visited Thingvellir, where the divergence of the North American and Eurasian plates are at its most spectacular. The heat, which is the cause of the rifting, was evident as we watched the Strokkur geyser erupt at Geysir. In fact, we had our lunch there sat watching the eruptions every five minutes or so. A short drive from there was Gulfoss – a two-stage waterfall that cascades some 40 metres into a steep gorge carved out by the River Olfusa as the waterfall has retreated over the years. The Faxafoss waterfall, often referred to as Iceland’s Niagara, was the final waterfall we visited.

Such a trip can’t be a success without the support of my staff. I would like to thank Miss Over, Mrs Bonnington and Mr M Quinn for all of their efforts. Moreover, I would like to extend my thanks to the students who went. They were a pleasure to spend time with and were a credit to the school.

Mr Quinn used the school drone to capture some amazing footage during our trip; he has created a video of this, which can be found on the school YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=lySCrK_y3ds .

Mr M Bamford 11 Community Unity Opportunity World Book Day 2018 Oaklands News

n March 9th, Oaklands celebrated World Book Day and this year, Waterstones came to visit, O turning our library in to a bookshop for the day. They brought in a large selection of books, but instead of selling them at normal price they were rounded down to the nearest pound and were then reduced by £1 if you had a World Book Day voucher (given to every student). Waterstones also brought in a special range of 14+ whole novels for just £1 plus the World Book Day voucher, some of which included: ‘An Abundance of Katherines’ and ‘Gansta Rap’ by Benjamin Zephaniah. The Waterstones ladies were happy to talk about the books and said they were very well looked after by our great students!

I would certainly say that this was the best World Book Day ever…

The Treasure Hunt At lunchtime, Miss Sharma and the student librarians set up a treasure hunt where teachers were dressed as book characters eg. Ms Crane as a pirate and Miss Taylor as Red Riding Hood. The winners got a copy of the signed picture that Jeff Kinney drew for our school.

My Views on World Book Day It was my favourite day this year because I am a librarian and really enjoy helping out in the library. I hope we get to do something special for World Book Day next year because this year was very good. We are very thankful that the Waterstones ladies came in and that such activities were available to us.

Why is Reading Important? There are many reasons why reading is important; I feel that the main reason is that it develops people’s minds and helps people imagine and have more creativity in the world around us. However, there are many other reasons; due to today’s society reading is an important skill that most people should have to get through day to day life. There is a saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” meaning that reading has changed so much for many lives in the past and will continue to do so throughout life. It is not only important to me but important to the world around us and I feel that many have the same opinion as me. Written by Matilda Brown 8DO

World Book Day in the Words of Y7…

For the last few weeks, Becky, Serenna, Sophie and Izzy of 7CL all helped with World Book Day to help prepare a fun and exciting day. We attended regular meetings during lunch and tried our very hardest to make sure the students enjoyed this very special occasion!

This year, Waterstones were invited in by Miss Sharma and were supported at certain times during the day. We loved seeing all the children’s faces when they got a book. I think the best thing was helping all the children learn more about World Book Day and why it’s important.

Becky: “I really loved helping out on this special day.” Sophie: “It was nice seeing people enjoying the treasure hunt.” Serenna: “This day was so fun I’m so glad I got to help out.”

We loved learning all the different things that you do on World Book Day including a quiz where we had to guess the teacher behind the book! Also, we were really lucky to have Waterstones come visit us and sell some books to the students. In addition, there was a treasure hunt that most students took part in, and there was a very special surprise when some of the teachers dressed up as book characters. All of us really enjoyed helping out on World Book Day and we would really love to help again!

12 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News

13 Community Unity Opportunity Readathon - Read for Good Oaklands News

ead for Good (previously known as Readathon) was R recently launched in Y7 and Y8 library lessons. Like our students, Read for Good does something amazing; they get children reading for fun through a sponsored Readathon. The money raised buys books for schools and brings the power of stories to children in hospital via mobile bookcases and resident storytellers.

The charity seeks to motivate whole schools and communities to read for fun because they know that ‘loving reading changes lives.’

How does it Work?

 Pupils will have given a sponsorship card in their library lesson.  Pupils choose what they want to read from comics to classics – anything goes.  They ask friends and family to sponsor them per book, per chapter, even per page, line or minute spent reading.  Sponsors can pay online.

Would you like to sponsor a student? Simply follow the link below: https://readathon.secure.force.com/sponsor/r4g_paysponsorshippayment? accountId=0012000001Rf9aNAAR&type=sponsorship

Readathon Storyteller Visit

n 20th February Oaklands welcomed the O amazing Michael O’Leary!

Mr O’Leary is a professional storyteller but also works for Readathon and helps read to ill children in hospital. He was very excited about the opportunity to come into our school and we loved having him here. Students were inquisitive and enjoyed listening to many of his stories, including Lali Lu- one of our favourites! He came in with his infamous box of magical props, including bagpipes and bringing out certain props in different stories.

After lunch, two classes took part in a workshop. We were taught how to story tell and told how to make them very interesting. This included us coming up with our own stories and performing them in front of people. One lucky student, Tobey Gannon, performed his story and Mr O’Leary liked it so much he rewarded him with a signed Folk Tales book written by himself! Tobey was full of joy with this brilliant book he had just been given. Tobey said: “I was really pleased with the book and I really enjoyed the entire day.”

We would like to thank Miss Sharma for inviting Mike to the school; it really helped showing us where our money really went. Last year students at Oaklands raised almost £500!

By Tyler Edwards, Joey Garvey, Will Birtall and Connor Prifti.

14 Community Unity Opportunity Hampshire Literature Quiz Oaklands News

n Thursday 8th March, Oaklands was O lucky enough to host the Hampshire Literature Quiz for the second year running. Joe Harper 9DO, John Willis 8CL, Katherine Gamboa-Kerwood 8TE and Grace Fincham 8MG competed in the first round and were up against competition from other schools including The Petersfield School and Crookhorn.

The team had worked together in the weeks beforehand to come up with some good strategies and to perfect their literature knowledge. Joe, Katherine and myself competed last year so we felt particularly confident and knew exactly what was in store!

6.30pm came…the quiz started well and at the interval, we were sitting in second place! We were so excited and elated…we were set to win as we were only half a point behind the leaders…

Despite our best efforts, our team came third out of eight for third year in a row. The Petersfield School won this year taking them to the final at the end of the month.

The team are very grateful for all who came and supported them on the night, including family, friends and fellow Oaklands students, including Tilly Brown, who created the ‘OAKLANDS ROCKS’ posters! A special thanks goes to our student librarians who came and helped by guiding, serving cold drinks and snacks to our visiting schools and teachers and being so supportive of our team. An enjoyable evening was had by all and we are already looking forward to next year!

By Grace Fincham 8MG

Macbeth for Year 10

he live Macbeth screening starring Niamh T Cusack and Christopher Eccleston which was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company was an immersive experience for all involved.

Year 10 embarked on a 3 hour journey, with time for Q&A, exploring the intricacies of the play for the very first time - supported by dynamic and alternative directing from the performance company.

The play opened with a chilling encounter upon the heath; three child witches scheming the demise of Macbeth in the scenes to come and the inclusion of the timer throughout the play provided another enthralling level to this unsettling meeting.

As the play developed, the students became entangled within the deception, cruelty and immorality displayed by both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. One student, Daisy Hazell, said "I really enjoyed how they made Lady Macbeth seem twisted, cruel and emasculating towards Macbeth. She is certainly very different to lots of women at the time."

It was a fantastic atmosphere and experience for everyone - we will definitely be looking out for more performances in the future!

15 Community Unity Opportunity Maths Challenge Oaklands News

ast term we went to the UKMT Junior Team L Maths Challenge at Churcher’s College. There were four rounds: the Group Round, the Crossnumber, the Shuttle and the Relay. In the Group Round we all worked together to solve some questions. Then, in the Crossnumber, we split up into pairs to solve some number problems in the form of a crossword, and each pair depends on the other. Then we did the Shuttle, again in pairs, where we solve a question and passed the answer over so the other pair could work out their question to pass on their answer to us. Finally, the Relay, where we solved questions and then ran back to a teacher who marked them, gave back a question to run back to the team to solve and run back again. It was a really fun and mathematical day” Ania Savage, Year 9

Back in February, three other students (Ania Savage, Miruna-Maria Handa, Tony Butler) and I travelled to Churcher’s College for the Maths Team Challenge. We came seventh overall - five places higher than last year. My favourite event was the Shuttle because it included breaks whilst the other team answered a question. It was also the most tiring because we had to run between the tables. We look forward to doing even better next year Chris Rose, Year 9

Star Wars Day - May the 4th Be With You

aklands’ students felt the force on May 4th in support of O The Learning Support Department’s annual Star Wars fundraising day.

The culinary skills of the team were showcased when Storm Troopers and Wookies fought with cup cakes and tray bakes in a cake sale to save the universe. Over £140.00 was raised which was donated to the Oaklands Genocide Project and Young Carers.

Our very own Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, aka Mr Osborne and Mrs Cook, presented a quiz that challenged even the most die hard Star Wars fan.

Beau Rimmer 9DO won the short story competition, crafting an exciting sci-fi tale around Obi-Wan Kenobi. We look forward to the next thrilling instalment.

Thank you to everyone who supported the day and watch out for Episode Three next year.

16 Community Unity Opportunity Refurbishment News Oaklands News Oaklands Secures £1.2 million Grant for Refurbishment Works

aklands are delighted with the news that the school has O been successful in securing a grant of £1,199,213 from the Department for Education's Capital Improvement Fund to undertake a full internal refurbishment of Newman Block, one of our main three storey teaching buildings. We see this necessary work as a natural progression to the previously awarded CIF grant which enabled us to re-roof, replace all the windows and re-clad the outside of the building in order to make it watertight.

The key elements of the new work include a full ceiling to floor refurbishment of ten classrooms, two Information and Computer Technology Suites, two Food Technology rooms and associated offices and workrooms. The opportunity is also being taken to refurbish a set of boys’ and girls’ toilets in the building, provide new toilet facilities for our staff and a locker space for students.

The refurbishment work will also resolve a number of the statutory obligations we have associated with fire safety and the management of legionella as well as upgrading heating and hot water systems and the fitting of energy efficient LED lighting.

The work is due to start on 25th June and the plan is to have all the curriculum areas completed by the start of the new academic year. Some of the ancillary areas are not due to be completed until 27th October 2018.

The school has already contributed some money towards this project to get it to a fully costed and contract tendered stage and will commit a total in excess of £50,000 to the project. We also hope to complete the refurbishment of the student toilets in Kolbe Block and three classrooms in the Thomas More Block.

In addition the school has also been successful in securing a £220,000 loan from the SALIX Energy Efficiency Fund to replace all of the lighting throughout the school with modern energy efficient LED lighting and central boiler and local radiator heating controls in three of the older buildings, in an effort to improve our energy efficiency, reduce our carbon footprint and save money on energy costs so that we can subsequently spend more on teaching and learning.

Clearly all of the above refurbishment work would not be possible without the financial support of our Parents and Carers who kindly donate money towards the Governor's School Development Fund which in turn is allocated to support these projects. The whole Oaklands Community is very grateful for this support and if you would like to know more about how you can donate money to the School Development Fund please contact the School at [email protected]

Clothing Bank at Oaklands e have recently taken delivery of a Clothing Bank as a way of raising W funds for the school. If you have any unwanted clean clothing, towels, sheets, blankets, curtains or shoes that you are able to donate to the school we would be grateful if you could either ask your children to bring them to Students Services or deliver them to the White House Reception. Unfortunately we cannot accept soiled rags, carpet, rugs, glass, metal, paper or rubbish as part of this particular recycling scheme.

Your support in this recycling scheme, which will provide additional money which can be used to support the teaching and learning of our children, will be greatly appreciated

17 Community Unity Opportunity The Oscar Romero Award for Schools Oaklands News

aklands has been working in partnership with a number of other schools including St Thomas O More in Bedhampton and St Edmunds in Portsmouth, to develop this award for Catholic schools. The Award is named after Archbishop Oscar Romero because he stood up for social justice and it will encourage schools to celebrate how they promote social justice as well as challenge them to become more involved in promoting it. We asked Julian Filowchowski, the former director of CAFOD and current Chair of the Romero Trust, and a friend to Oscar Romero, to share with us his thoughts about the Archbishop. This is what he sent us.

Julian presenting the book with the writings of Oscar Oscar Romero in Mosaic Romero to Pope Francis

Who was Romero?

Archbishop Oscar Romero is a 20th century martyr of the Church. He was the archbishop of San Salvador in Central America. On March 24th 1980, in the chapel of the cancer hospital where he lived, he was shot dead at the altar by a death squad marksman as he was about to offer the bread and wine in the middle of Mass. He is on the road to sainthood and on May 23rd 2015 he was beatified and became Blessed Oscar Romero.

Born on August 15th 1917 in humble circumstances, which he never forgot, Romero was ordained priest in April 1942. For 25 years he served as a dedicated pastor and became a popular preacher. He was a surprisingly shy and self-effacing man who had a deep prayer life and was devoted to Our Lady Queen of Peace. He lived very simply and invariably responded with genuine compassion to the poor and needy. He was loved by his people.

When years later, in 1977, he became archbishop, his country was embroiled in social and political conflict. Great wealth came to the country’s landowners from coffee, sugar cane and cotton exports but for the landless peasants there was ever more desperate poverty and hunger. The rich were getting richer and the poor poorer. Every effort at change was rebuffed by massive electoral fraud and the violent repression of peaceful protest. From his cathedral pulpit Archbishop Romero became the voice of the voiceless poor. He made an ‘option for the poor’ – they were at the very centre of his concerns. His love of God and his love of the poor were inextricably entwined.

In his preaching and teaching he set out and explained Catholic Social Teaching, simply and eloquently. He then sought to make real in the lives of his people that challenging teaching of compassion, love, reconciliation and justice. He looked at the world from the point of view of the suffering poor communities and he tried to generate meaningful solidarity that would actually transform their lives. Every Sunday he spoke the horrible truth of what was happening in the countryside.

18 Community Unity Opportunity Oaklands News With great courage he denounced the killings, the torture and the disappearances of campesino leaders; he sought justice and recompense for the atrocities committed by the army and police and he set up pastoral programmes to provide food, shelter and support for the victims of the violence. In advocating for their cause he gave them hope and encouragement.

With the emergence of armed guerrilla groups, civil war loomed. Archbishop Romero rejected the violence whether perpetrated by the left or the right. He strained every nerve to promote peaceful solutions to his nation’s crises, insisting to the wealthy classes that serious reforms were imperative. “It is only a caricature of love when we try to patch up with charity what is owed in justice, when we cover with an appearance of benevolence what we are failing in social justice” he said.

He was vilified in the press, his homilies were denounced as communist-inspired, missionary priests were expelled from the country, churches were occupied with tabernacles smashed and the Blessed Sacrament desecrated, six of his priests were assassinated and he himself received regular death threats – on one Sunday dynamite was placed behind the altar for his Mass but failed to go off. The atmosphere became so charged Archbishop Romero realised he was going to be killed. And he came to accept it. At 6.26pm on March 24th 1980, he was assassinated with a single marksman’s bullet.

He gave his life for his people. He died a martyr to the option for the poor, a martyr to the social teaching of the Church which he proclaimed and lived with absolute fidelity to his very last breath.

Every year on his Feast Day, March 24th, we will remember and celebrate his life and martyrdom. For us he is the model of a gospel-inspired teacher and practitioner, who seamlessly combined his deep prayer life with a courageous commitment to the poor. For the Romero Award, he guides us on our way as we strive to develop an authentic spirituality of justice and to become, in the words of Pope Francis, ‘a poor Church for the poor’.

Oaklands Genocide Memorial Project s you are already aware, we are planning to build a memorial in the Oaklands A school grounds to people who have lost their lives or have been affected by genocide around the world. Many of you may have contributed to the 1.5 million buttons that we have collected, which will be the focal point of our memorial, each button representing human dignity.

We are now seeking funds to build this memorial and hope that you will support us by purchasing raffle tickets for our first fundraising event. The amazing prices include a Kindle Fire, Golf Lessons, Days Out, Travel Vouchers and many more. The draw date for the raffle will be Friday 15th June 2018. Winning tickets will be notified week beginning 18th June.

Tickets can be purchased from reception, or via our school online payment system. Due to licensing laws, students may not purchase tickets for themselves but can bring money in a sealed envelope to Student Services or Rewards Window to buy them on your behalf. Tickets will be sent back to you via your child.

Our second initiative is kindly being supported by Waitrose in Waterlooville. From 1st-30th June, they have agreed to allow shoppers to choose to donate their green discs to our Genocide Project. So please don’t forget to ask for a disc when you check out and choose our cause.

Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0iH4s1iqh0 to see groups of our students led by Mr Sumba, raising awareness of this topic by appearing on BBC South today.

Once we have reached our target funds, we will be looking for support with materials and the building of the memorial. If you feel that you may be able to help/support us at this stage, please contact us for further details via [email protected]

Many thanks for your support with this important project.

19 Community Unity Opportunity Pictures from St John’s, Korogocho Oaklands News

Fidel Julia Khalid Mark Merceline Mitchel

St John’s Assembly Students Taking Examinations

St John’s Library Visit to the Kenyan House of Parliament

20 Community Unity Opportunity Sports News Oaklands News

t the beginning of term, six of our A students joined other pupils from across the area and met Prince Edward at Seacourt Tennis Club on Hayling Island; they were Blake Bone, Katie Walker, Rhys Woolhead, Olivia Boulton, Seren Jackson & Hugo Barber.

The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, was visiting as part of his Tennis Challenge 2018. The pupils were able to play Real Tennis while raising funds for the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) charity.

Read more at: https:// www.portsmouth.co.uk/our-region/hayling-island/video-pupils-meet-prince-edward-at-real- tennis-fundraiser-for-duke-of-edinburgh-award-charity-1-8477712

e were delighted to hear that Megan Knight (11 St Martin) W has been selected to represent Great Britain for the Junior women's Teamgym squad.

Megan has attended a number of zonal clinics over the last year and was selected last month for the national team.

This is a huge honour for Megan and her family and is a result of a great deal of hard work and commitment. Megan will travel to Portugal in October and will compete in a number of gymnastics disciplines - floor, tumbling, trampette and vault.

Good luck Megan!

Alumni Oaklands Catholic School and Sixth Form College - Alumni Were you a student here … ? Stay in touch with us and help … It doesn’t matter when you left school, whether you’re in further education or employment or where you live - Oaklands still needs your help! If you would like to see our exceptional school continue to thrive, please let us have your details by signing up to the Future First database. Go to www.futurefirst.org.uk Go to the ‘Sign Up’ tab Click ‘Former Student’ Type in Oaklands Catholic School

21 Community Unity Opportunity Peripatetic Music Concert Oaklands News

SUMMER PERIPATETIC MUSIC CONCERT

THURSDAY 14 JUNE 2018 7.00PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL

Come and join us for an exhibition and celebration of the students’ musical achievements from their peripatetic lessons this year

Oaklands Band Solos and Ensembles Piano - Woodwind - Guitar

Free entry - all welcome !

Term Dates

Term Dates 2018/2019

Autumn Term 2018 Mon 3rd September to Fri 21st December Half Term: Mon 22nd - Fri 26th October

Spring Term 2019 Mon 7th January to Fri 5th April Half Term: Mon 18th - Fri 22nd February

Summer Term 2019 Tues 23rd April to Fri 19th July Half Term: Mon 27th May - Fri 31st May

INSET Days are as follows: Monday 3rd September, Tuesday 4th September Friday 28th September, Friday 21st December, Friday 28th June, Friday 19th July

Student Return: Wed 5th September, phased return for Y7, Y12 & Y13 Thurs 6th September, all students to return

All dates and times are accurate at the time of going to press. The school reserves the right to make alterations.

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Monday 16 April First Day of Summer Term OPA Committee Meeting (7.30pm) Wednesday 18 April Sixth Form Practice Grades Home Thursday 19 April HPV (2) Vaccinations (Y8 Girls) Year 13 Parents’ Evening Tuesday 24 April Dance Showcase (6.00-8.00pm) Wednesday 25 April Year 11 Final Predictions Home Thursday 26 April Design Showcase (5.00-8.00pm) Monday 30 April Year 10 Book Sharing Week Science GCSE Preview Evening (Y9) (7.00-8.30pm) Wednesday 2 May SEN Transition Evening for New Year 7 Monday 7 May School Closed—May Day Thursday 10 May Year 10 Parents’ Evening (5.00pm) Monday 14 May Governors’ Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting OPA Committee Meeting + AGM (7.30pm) Wednesday 16 May Full Governors’ Meeting Thursday 17 May Final Day Year 11 Thursday 24 May Year 13 Leavers’ Mass and Meal Friday 25 May Final Day Year 13 Mon-Fri 28 May—1 June Half Term Thursday 7 June Year 12 Parents’ Evening Monday 11 June Governors’ Business & Collaboration Committee Meeting Wednesday 13 June SEN Parents’ Evening (5.00pm) Thursday 14 June Art Exhibition (5.00pm) Peripatetic Music Concert (7.00pm) Monday 18 June Year 10 Professional Days (+ Tuesday 19 June) Governors’ Ethos Committee Meeting Friday 22 June Year 11 Prom Thursday 21 June Year 8 Reports Home

Monday 25 June Challenge Week Friday 29 June Fundraising Friday (students to finish at 1.45pm - see Page 5) Monday 2 July Year 7 Reports Home OPA Committee Meeting (End of Year Celebration) Thursday 5 July Year 10 Post 16 Information Evening (7.00pm) Wednesday 11 July Sixth Form Taster Day Year 9 Reports Home Full Governors Meeting Thursday 12 July Sports Day Friday 13 July New Year 7 Induction Day Monday 16 July New Year 7 Parents’ Induction Evening (7.00pm) Tuesday 17 July Year 10 Exam Grades Home Wednesday 18 July Year 12 Exam Grades Home Thursday 19 July Last Day of Term Friday 20 July Inset Day—School Closed

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Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, Hants, PO7 7BW (023) 92 259214 [email protected] www.oaklandscatholicschool.org

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